Actuation device for actuating an emergency release of 1HE transmission of a motor vehicle, in particular of a car

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to an actuating device for actuating an emergency release of a transmission, including a parking lock, which transmission is mechanically locked by the parking lock when the parking lock is activated, of a motor vehicle, having at least one vehicle-fixed actuating element, by which the parking lock is manually and mechanically deactivatable, and having a tool formed separately from the actuating element via which the actuating element is manually and mechanically actuatable to manually deactivate the parking lock, wherein the actuating element comprises a roller rotatable around an axis of rotation which is rotatable around the axis of rotation by the tool to thus actuate the actuating element.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to an actuating device for actuating an emergencyrelease of a transmission of a motor vehicle, in particular of a car.

BACKGROUND

Such an actuating device for actuating an emergency release of atransmission, which comprises a parking lock, of a motor vehicle isknown, for example, from DE 10 2011 119 747 A1. The transmission can bedesigned as an automatic transmission and, when the parking lock isactivated, is mechanically blocked by means of the parking lock. This isparticularly to be understood to mean that, for example, a transmissionoutput shaft of the transmission is secured against a rotation inrelation to a housing of the transmission. Thus, for example, the motorvehicle can be secured against undesired rolling away, in particular ifthe motor vehicle is stopped and/or parked on a slope.

The actuating device comprises at least one vehicle-fixed actuatingelement, by means of which the parking lock is deactivatable manuallyand thus, for example, by a person. The actuating device furthercomprises a tool formed separately from the actuating element, via whichthe actuating element is manually and mechanically actuatable tomanually deactivate the parking lock. The tool is, for example,initially spaced from the actuating element and can in particular be somoved relative to the actuating element, that the tool in cooperationwith the actuating element can be brought. As a result, for example, theactuating element can be actuated manually via the tool by said person,whereby the person can manually deactivate the parking lock.

Furthermore, DE 102 41 877 A1 discloses a driving speed selection devicefor an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, which has apositioning element, a drive element, a further drive element, at leastone actuating lever, and an emergency actuating device.

Moreover, DE 10 2009 019 812 A1 discloses a vehicle having atransmission, which can assume various driving states, a neutral state,and a parking state, since the transmission is blocked in the parkingstate by a blocking element. In addition, a manually actuatableemergency release device is provided, by the actuation of which thetransmission can be unlocked in case of a malfunction.

SUMMARY

An exemplary object of the present disclosure is to provide an actuatingdevice, so that a transmission of a motor vehicle can be particularlyeasily unlocked manually and mechanically.

The disclosure relates to an actuating device for actuating an emergencyrelease of a transmission of a motor vehicle, in particular of a car,and in this case preferably of a passenger vehicle. The transmission isdesigned, for example, as an automatic transmission, in particular as atorque converter automatic transmission, and comprises a parking lock.If the parking lock is activated, the transmission is thus mechanicallylocked by means of the parking lock. In this way, for example, the motorvehicle can be secured against undesired rolling away, in particular ifthe motor vehicle is stopped and/or parked on a slope.

The transmission can typically be actuated via shift-by-wire, so that inparticular the parking lock can at least be disengaged or deactivatedvia shift-by-wire. This is to be understood in particular to mean thatusually an actuator, in particular an electrically operable actuator isprovided, wherein the parking lock can at least be deactivated by meansof the actuator. If a signal, in particular an electrical signal, fordeactivating the parking lock is detected, for example, the parking lockis thus deactivated by means of the actuator. However, if a malfunctionoccurs, in particular a power failure, so that the parking lock can nolonger be electrically deactivated by means of the actuator, the parkinglock can thus be manually and mechanically deactivated by means of theemergency release of the transmission. In this way, the motor vehiclecan be moved even in the event of the malfunction and, for example,towed away, without damage occurring. The emergency release of thetransmission is in this case, for example, part of the actuator or viceversa, so that, for example, the parking lock can be deactivated via theactuator means of the emergency release of the transmission.

The actuating device in this case comprises at least one vehicle-fixedactuating element, which is held on the motor vehicle and is thus apermanent part of the motor vehicle. By means of the actuating element,the parking lock can be manually and in particular mechanicallydeactivated, for example, by a person. Moreover, the actuating devicecomprises a tool formed separately from the actuating element, via whichthe actuating element is manually and mechanically actuatable tomanually deactivate the parking lock. The feature that the tool isformed separately from the actuating element is to be understood inparticular to mean that the tool and the actuating element are twocomponents formed separately from one another and are thus respectivecomponents, which are not, for example, integrally formed with oneanother. For example, in a starting state the actuating element isspaced apart from the tool or vice versa, wherein, for example, the toolcan be brought and/or moved into interaction with the actuating elementto thus manually and mechanically actuate the actuating element via thetool and as a result to deactivate the parking lock.

To be able to manually and mechanically deactivate the parking lock in aparticularly simple manner, it is provided according to the inventionthat the actuating element comprises a roller rotatable around an axisof rotation, which is rotatable by means of the tool to actuate theactuating element and thus deactivate the parking lock. Due to the useof the roller, a particularly advantageous gear ratio can be displayed,via which the actuating element can be actuated particularly easily,i.e., with particularly little effort mechanically and, for example,manually by a person, whereby the parking lock can be deactivated easilyand conveniently.

To rotate the roller, for example, the tool, which comprises a push rodor is formed as a push rod, is firstly translationally moved in relationto the roller and moved toward the roller at the same time. Thetranslational movement of the tool causes, for example, a rotation ofthe roller around the axis of rotation, in particular in that the toolfirstly comes into interaction and/or into supporting contact with theroller due to its translational movement. If the tool is then movedfurther translationally, the roller is thus rotated around the axis ofrotation, so that the rotation of the roller around the axis of rotationat least temporarily simultaneously accompanies the translationalmovement of the tool.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that to deactivate the parking lock, thetool is firstly moved translationally in relation to the roller andmoved toward the roller at the same time. In this case, for example, thetool is firstly moved in interaction with the roller, in particular insuch a way that the tool is coupled in a torque-transmitting manner tothe roller, in particular in a reversibly releasable manner. Thistorque-transmitting coupling can take place, for example, in afriction-locked and/or formfitting manner. In other words, it ispreferably provided that the tool is first moved translationally inrelation to the roller and is moved toward the roller at the same time,whereby, for example, the tool is firstly brought into formfittinginteraction with the roller, i.e., coupled to the roller in aformfitting manner. If the tool is then rotated around the axis ofrotation, for example, while the tool interacts in a formfitting mannerwith the roller, the rotation of the tool around the axis of rotationthus causes a rotation of the roller around the axis of rotation, sothat the rotation of the tool around the axis of rotation is at leasttemporarily simultaneously accompanied by a rotation of the rolleraround the axis of rotation. In other words, the tool is rotated and viathis the roller is rotated simultaneously and/or jointly, whereby theactuating element is actuated and as a result the parking lock isdeactivated in a simple and comfortable manner.

In one advantageous design of the invention, the actuating devicecomprises at least one through opening, which is formed in a centerconsole that can be arranged or is arranged in the interior of the motorvehicle. In other words, the through opening of the actuating means is athrough opening of the center console, which is arranged in particularin the completely produced state of the motor vehicle state of the motorvehicle in the interior thereof. The through opening in this case has apassage direction, which, in particular in the installed location of thecenter console and/or the actuating device, extends or can extend in aplane spanned by the vehicle transverse direction and the vehiclelongitudinal direction. The center console assumes its installedlocation in this case in the completely produced state of the motorvehicle, wherein the center console is arranged in the interior thereofin the completely produced state of the motor vehicle. The passagedirection of the through opening is a direction along which, forexample, a fluid such as a gas or a narrow object such as a tool can orcould be inserted through the through opening. In particular, thepassage direction extends, for example, at least substantiallyperpendicular to a through plane in which the through opening extends.The through plane is spanned, for example, by the vehicle longitudinaldirection and the vehicle vertical direction.

The through opening can be penetrated in this case by the tool, to thusbring the tool into interaction with the roller, thereby rotate theroller around the axis of rotation, and thus deactivate the parkinglock. In other words, for example, to actuate the actuating element andthus deactivate the parking lock, the tool is, for example, pushedthrough the through opening along the passage direction and thusinserted through, to thus bring the tool, in particular in theabove-described manner, into interaction with the actuating element andin particular with the roller. If the tool is then, for example,inserted further through the passage opening and/or rotated around theaxis of rotation, the roller is thus rotated around the axis ofrotation, in particular in relation to the center console, whereby theactuating element is actuated and the parking lock is deactivated.

The through opening can be penetrated by the tool along the passagedirection. In other words, the tool can penetrate the through openingalong the passage direction. Expressed in still other words, forexample, the tool penetrates the through opening along the passagedirection in at least one state, in which the parking lock isdeactivated by means of the tool. The through hole can be penetratedalong the passage direction by the tool, to thus bring the tool intoengagement with the actuating element, to thereby mechanically actuatethe mechanical actuator, and thus deactivate the parking lock. In thisway it is possible to release the parking lock from the interior of themotor vehicle, so that the parking lock can be released particularlyconveniently and easily by a person located in the interior. In theinstalled position and/or in the completely produced state of the motorvehicle, the through opening opens, for example, on one side or in oneend into the interior of the motor vehicle, so that, for example, aperson located in the interior can actuate the tool from the interior inorder to deactivate the parking lock from the interior. On the otherside or the other end, for example, the through opening opens into aregion which is arranged outside the interior and at the same time on aside of the center console facing away from the interior, wherein theactuating element and/or the transmission is arranged in the region, forexample. The tool can extend in this case, for example, along thepassage direction from the interior through the through opening into theregion, so that the actuating element can be manually actuated via thetool from the interior. In this way, the parking lock can be manuallyand mechanically deactivated in a particularly simple manner, wherebythe transmission is released.

It has been shown to be particularly advantageous if the passagedirection extends in the vehicle transverse direction. Therefore, forexample, the tool can be inserted through the through opening in thevehicle transverse direction and thus brought into interaction with theactuating element, to actuate the actuating element as a result. In thismanner, the parking lock can be deactivated and/or released particularlysimply.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the tool is formed as atool separate from the center console, which is insertable along thepassage direction through the through hole to thus bring the tool intointeraction with the actuating element, to thus mechanically actuate theactuating element and thus deactivate the parking lock. This is to beunderstood in particular to mean that the tool is not held on the centerconsole, in particular not on the motor vehicle as a whole, but ratherthe tool is, for example, part of a vehicle toolkit, which can be movedaround by a person freely in relation to the motor vehicle and inparticular in relation to the center console. In this way, the tool can,for example, be stored in a particularly advantageous manner. Todeactivate the parking lock, the tool is moved, for example, by theperson in relation to the center console and in relation to theactuating element, in particular in such a way that the tool is pushedor inserted along the passage direction through the through opening. Inthis way, the tool can be brought into interaction with the actuatingelement to thus actuate the actuating element and as a result deactivatethe parking lock.

The invention is based in particular on the following finding: In manycurrent vehicle projects or motor vehicles, a mechanical connectionbetween a shift actuator designed as a selector lever, for example, anda transmission of the respective motor vehicle is omitted. Instead, forexample, commands of the driver of the respective motor vehicle aretransmitted via an operating element, designed, for example, as ashift-by-wire operating element, to the transmission electronically,i.e., without mechanical connection between the operating element andthe transmission. A mechanical implementation of the commands isperformed, for example, via actuators, which receive signalscharacterizing the commands and convert them accordingly into movements.In recent developments, for example, electrical signals are transmittedfrom an actuator, in particular having a gear ratio, via a cable pull tothe transmission by means of the shift actuator. In the event of a powerfailure, which can occur, for example, if a battery of the motor vehicleis disconnected, the transmission locks automatically in that itsparking lock is activated. Undesired rolling away of the motor vehicleis then not possible. To release the parking lock, the emergency releaseof the transmission is provided, in particular with or without a gearratio, which engages, for example, at the mentioned actuator or directlyat the transmission.

In current transmissions, the manual deactivation of the parking lock,also referred to as emergency release, typically takes place via a cablepull or via a loop which can be, for example, part of the mentionedactuator and the emergency release of the transmission. The cable pullor the loop, respectively, actuates an internal emergency releasemechanism of the actuator and is typically arranged above the actuatorand can thus be actuated in the vehicle vertical direction. To get tosuch a release, usually a panel of a center console has to be removed.The cable pull or the loop, respectively, can then be moved into arelease position, to thus deactivate the parking lock. The releaseposition is to be held to keep the parking lock deactivated. The releaseposition is held, for example, by applying tension to the cable pull orthe loop, respectively, manually by a person or a corresponding pintool. To activate the parking lock, for example, the cable pull or theloop, respectively, is relaxed and/or the pin tool is removed.

A force of up to 120 N is typically required for the actuation of thecable pull or the loop, respectively. Whether a power gear ratio shouldbe integrated in the emergency release results from gear ratio optionsin the actuator.

Since it is now provided according to the invention that the parkinglock can be manually and mechanically deactivated via the throughopening of the center console and thus from the interior of the motorvehicle, a person deactivating the parking lock can simultaneouslyactuate, for example, a brake operating element designed as a brakepedal, for example, during the deactivation of the parking lock, tothus, for example, activate a service brake of the motor vehicle.Undesired rolling away of the motor vehicle can thus be at leasttemporarily avoided in spite of the deactivation of the parking lock.Furthermore, for example, rolling away or movement of the motor vehicleafter the deactivation of the parking lock can be intentionallycontrolled by the person via the service brake. Due to the option ofreleasing the parking lock via the through opening of the centerconsole, the actuating device can be arranged within reach of thedriver, so that the driver can deactivate the parking lock andsimultaneously actuate the service brake.

Furthermore, it is possible in the actuating device according to theinvention to apply even large forces required for activating the parkinglock in a simple manner, in particular via a gear ratio. The followingdisadvantages have been identified in particular in conventionalemergency releases of transmissions:

-   -   Design incompatibility; access through the center console is to        be ensured, for example, via storage compartments or beverage        holders, since otherwise a removal of the center console is        necessary to reach the emergency release. There is thus no        direct access to the emergency release. Moreover, damage to the        panels to be removed cannot be precluded.    -   Depending on the design specification, an asymmetric design of        the center console in the region of the actuator is        implementable only in a costly manner or not at all. A provision        of right-hand/left-hand variants is also required.    -   The unlocking position is supposed to be fixed with the aid of a        separate pin tool or by permanent, manual fixing.    -   The unlocking position is not apparent at first glance and can        be forgotten under certain circumstances.    -   The entire unlocking force has to be applied manually.    -   High expenditure for functional integration into the motor        vehicle.    -   constructively complex measures    -   complex, costly laying of cable pulls    -   complex, costly maintenance solutions    -   Uniform modules for different derivatives, for example,        front-engine, rear-engine, or middle-engine concepts are not        possible.

The above-mentioned disadvantages can now be avoided by means of theactuating device according to the invention, since the parking lock canbe deactivated with the aid of the tool, which is designed as part of avehicle toolkit, for example, via the through opening. The throughopening can in this case represent a design-neutral access, inparticular laterally on the center console and in this case, forexample, at the height of a seat rail screw connection, wherein theparking lock can be deactivated, held, and then reactivated particularlysimply via the through opening.

The through opening can be associated, for example, with a cover elementdesigned in particular as a lid or the like, by means of which thethrough opening is closable or closed, in particular completely. Forexample, to deactivate the parking lock, the cover element is removed,whereby the cover element exposes the through opening. Subsequentlythereto, the tool can be brought into interaction with the actuatingelement via the through opening. Subsequently thereto, for example, thetool can be removed from the through opening, whereupon the throughopening can be closed again by means of the cover element. Depending onthe embodiment, for example, an actuating mechanism for actuating theactuating element can be integrated into the tool or arranged as aseparate component on the actuator. The actuating mechanism provides,for example, a gear ratio different from 1, by means of which forces ortorques exerted by a person on the tool can be converted into higherforces or torques, respectively, in relation thereto. Even minor forcesor torques exerted by the person on the tool are thus sufficient toactuate the actuating element and as a result to deactivate the parkinglock.

The actuating element comprises, for example, a traction means, inparticular in the form of a cable pull, which is also referred to as aBowden cable, a cable, a band, a flex shaft, or the like. By means ofthe tool, for example, the cable pull can be grasped and securelymanually and mechanically actuated, in order to deactivate the parkinglock via the cable pull. If a gear ratio of the actuator is used forthis purpose, for example, to deactivate the parking lock via the gearratio, thus, for example, forces of only up to 120 N are sufficient todeactivate the parking lock. As a result, the parking lock can beactuated easily and conveniently from the interior. In particular, thefollowing advantages may be implemented by means of the actuating deviceaccording to the invention:

-   -   High design compatibility in the region of the center console,        since the through opening forms an access, for example,        laterally on the center console. In this way, the freedom of        design on the center console is preserved, because access via        storage compartments or beverage holders above the actuator is        not required.    -   Simple operability and ergonomically favorable positioning of        the actuating device and thus of the emergency release of the        transmission    -   Minimal cost expenditure in the center console for the        accessibility of the actuating device and thus the emergency        release    -   Tool for actuating the emergency release can be housed easily in        the vehicle toolkit    -   Minimal time and cost expenditure for maintenance cases    -   The access (through opening) is, for example, implemented and/or        covered laterally on the center console by a small lid. This lid        can be adapted specifically to the brand of the center console        as a cap component and is located very unobtrusively outside the        direct field of view of the driver. The access or the closure        cap, respectively, or the through opening can also be positioned        from the driver or front passenger side.    -   The unlocking position is targeted and independently held within        or with the aid of the vehicle toolkit and does not have to be        fixed using a separate pin tool and/or manual fixing. The        release takes place by simply removing the tool.    -   The release position is clearly apparent on the inserted tool of        the vehicle toolkit laterally to the center console.    -   The release tool and also the design of the emergency release on        the actuator can be designed across brands and thus        cost-effectively uniform.    -   The recognition feature of the emergency release actuator is        identical across brands.    -   The required actuating force of the release is easily generated        and overcome by means of the gear ratio of the actuating        mechanism.

In addition, the following requirements can be met in the actuatingdevice according to the invention:

-   -   accessibility for simple tool (in the cases with integrated gear        ratio)    -   design for actuator, for lateral insertion of the tool in        particular    -   design of the center console having, for example, lateral hole        and small lid for the tool    -   minimal interior design influence    -   operability and ergonomics    -   preserve further variants of the positioning option of the        actuator    -   checking of the possible uses, in particular for sports cars,        sedans, and off-road vehicles    -   consideration of all influences and premises for extensive use

It has furthermore been shown to be particularly advantageous if thetool is formed as a vehicle-fixed tool, which is held at leastindirectly, in particular directly, on the center console and is inparticular movable in relation to the center console, in particularpivotable. In this case, for example, the tool penetrates the throughopening, in particular to actuate the actuating element, in at least oneposition in which the tool is movable in relation to the center console.In this way, a clear and defined positioning of the tool is implemented,so that the tool can be found rapidly and easily and conveniently andcan be used or actuated to deactivate the parking lock.

The tool is, for example, a push rod, which can be translationallymoved, in particular in relation to the center console, and at the sametime in particular firstly toward the roller. In particular, it isconceivable that the tool or the push rod comprises at least one firstformfitting element, wherein the roller comprises, for example, at leastone second formfitting element corresponding with the first formfittingelement. In order, for example, to move the tool into in particularformfitting interaction with the roller, the formfitting element isbrought into formfitting interaction, for example, in that theformfitting elements are inserted one into another. For this purpose,the tool or the push rod is moved translationally, in particular inrelation to the center console and/or in relation to the roller, and inparticular is moved toward the roller. The tool or the push rodfunctions in this case, for example, as a key, which is at leastpartially inserted into the second formfitting element, which is formed,for example, as a corresponding opening. The tool thus interacts in aformfitting manner with the roller, so that when the tool is thereuponrotated around the axis of rotation, the roller is also rotated aroundthe axis of rotation with the tool. In this way, the parking lock can bedeactivated particularly easily.

In order to deactivate the parking lock in a particularly easy andconvenient manner, it is provided in an advantageous design of theinvention that the axis of rotation in the installation location of theactuating device extends in a plane spanned by the vehicle transversedirection and the vehicle longitudinal direction. The roller thus standsupright, for example, in the vehicle vertical direction and is thus, forexample, a vertical roller, by which a particularly advantageous gearratio can be provided.

In order to be able to actuate or rotate the roller particularly easilyand, for example, from a driver or front passenger seat in this case, itis provided in a further design of the invention that the axis ofrotation extends in the vehicle transverse direction in the installationlocation of the actuating device.

To keep the installation space requirement of the actuating deviceparticularly small, in particular in the vehicle vertical direction, itis provided in a further design of the invention that the axis ofrotation extends in the vehicle vertical direction in the installationlocation of the actuating device. The roller is designed in this case,for example, as a recumbent roller, which can in particular be actuatedin an easy manner favorable for installation space in that a rotation ofthe roller around the axis of rotation can be effectuated or iseffectuated by translational movement of the tool, in particular inrelation to the center console.

A further embodiment is distinguished in that the actuating devicecomprises a pawl, which is movable between at least one blockingposition and at least one release position. In the blocking position,the roller is secured by means of the pawl against a rotation around theaxis of rotation in at least one or precisely one rotational direction.In the release position, however, the pawl releases the roller for arotation around the axis of rotation at least in the at least onerotational direction. The pawl is in this case, for example, pivotablebetween the blocking position and the release position, in particular inrelation to the roller and/or in relation to the center console.

By means of the pawl, it is thus possible to prevent a rotation of theroller around the axis of rotation in the at least one rotationaldirection, so that, for example, an undesired reset of the actuatingelement and thus the parking lock and thus an undesired and inparticular automatic or independent activation of the initiallydeactivated parking lock can be avoided. In other words, it is firstlypossible by means of the actuating device according to the invention tomechanically deactivate the parking lock by means of the roller in aparticularly simple manner, in particular, for example, in that theroller is rotated in a second rotational direction, opposite to the atleast one rotational direction, around the axis of rotation, inparticular in relation to the center console. The parking lock is inparticular deactivated against gravity and/or against a spring force, sothat the gravity and/or the spring force opposes the deactivation of theparking lock and thus the rotation of the roller in the secondrotational direction. If, for example, the roller were now not securedagainst a rotation in the at least one rotational direction, the gravityand/or the spring force could thus effectuate a rotation of the rollerin the at least one rotational direction, so that the parking lock wouldbe activated again. This can be avoided, for example, in that a personfixes the tool and fixes the roller via the tool and thus secures itagainst a rotation in the at least one rotational direction, whereby theperson keeps the parking lock deactivated.

However, at least to keep low an effort to be applied by the person tothe tool and via the tool onto the roller, which is required to securethe roller against a rotation in the at least one direction or to beable to avoid such an effort, the pawl is provided, by means of whichthe roller is mechanically secured or can be secured against a rotationin the at least one rotational direction. Therefore, for example, theperson—after they have deactivated the parking lock—does not have tosecure the roller themselves against a rotation in the at least onerotational direction, but rather can concentrate, for example, on othertasks such as actuating a steering wheel and/or a brake of the motorvehicle, which can be moved or rolled and thus maneuvered, for example,with deactivated parking lock.

The roller is held, for example, at least indirectly, in particulardirectly, rotatably on the center console. Furthermore, it isconceivable that the roller is held, for example, at least indirectly,in particular directly, on the actuator. The roller is thus, forexample, part of the actuator and/or is held thereon and can beinstalled and removed with it.

The pawl is held, for example, at least indirectly, in particulardirectly, pivotably and/or movably on the center console. Furthermore,it is conceivable that the pawl is held at least indirectly, inparticular directly, movably and/or pivotably on the actuator.

To be able to deactivate the parking lock in a particularly easy andconvenient manner, it is provided in one particularly advantageousembodiment of the invention that the pawl permits, in the blockingposition, a rotation of the roller around the axis of rotation in thesecond rotational direction opposing the at least one rotationaldirection. It is thus possible, for example, that a person rotates theroller by means of the tool in multiple successive steps in the secondrotational direction, wherein the person does not have to secure theroller against a rotation in the at least one direction between each twoof the steps in immediate succession, since this takes place by means ofthe pawl. The pawl thus functions as a freewheel, which does permit arotation of the roller in the second rotational direction, but preventsa rotation of the roller in the at least one rotational direction, whileor if the pawl is located in its blocking position. In particular, it isconceivable that the pawl, in the release position, permits both arotation of the roller around the axis of rotation in the at least onerotational direction, and also a rotation of the roller in the secondrotational direction.

Finally, it has been shown to be particularly advantageous if the toolcomprises at least one actuating region, by means of which the pawl ismovable out of the release position into the blocking position. Themovement of the pawl from the release position into the blockingposition is effectuated by means of the tool via its actuating region,in particular in that or in such a way that the tool is firstly movedtranslationally and at the same time, for example, is inserted throughthe passage opening. The tool comes into supporting contact with thepawl in this case, for example, via the actuating region. If the tool ismoved further translationally, for example, the pawl is thus moved viathe actuating region from the release position into the blockingposition. In particular, the pawl is held, for example, by means of thetool in the blocking position as long as the tool interacts at leastindirectly, in particular directly, via the actuating region with thepawl. If the tool is then pulled back out of the passage opening, forexample, so that the actuating region is disengaged from the pawl, thepawl is thus moved from the blocking position into the release positionand/or the pawl automatically or independently moves out of the blockingposition back into the release position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure also include combinations of thedescribed embodiments. Exemplary embodiments of the invention aredescribed hereafter. In the figures:

FIG. 1 shows a detail of a schematic perspective view of a centerconsole of an actuating device for a motor vehicle;

FIG. 2 shows a detail of a schematic and perspective sectional view ofthe center console;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of an actuator for actuating aparking lock of the transmission;

FIG. 4a shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of anactuating device according to the invention according to a firstembodiment, which comprises, for example, the center console accordingto FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4b shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of anactuating device according to the invention according to a firstembodiment, which comprises, for example, the center console accordingto FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4c shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of anactuating device according to the invention according to a firstembodiment, which comprises, for example, the center console accordingto FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4d shows a detail of a schematic top view of the actuating deviceaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4e shows a detail of a schematic rear view of the actuating deviceaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4f shows a detail of a schematic side view of a tool of theactuating device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4g shows a schematic perspective view of the tool according to FIG.4 f;

FIG. 4h shows a schematic perspective view of the tool according to FIG.4 f;

FIG. 4i shows a detail of a schematic perspective view of the toolaccording to FIGS. 4f -h;

FIG. 4j shows a schematic perspective view of the actuator for the firstembodiment of the actuating device;

FIG. 4k shows a detail of a schematic perspective view of the actuatoraccording to FIG. 4 j;

FIG. 4l shows a detail of a schematic and perspective sectional view ofthe actuating device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4m shows a schematic perspective view of the tool according to FIG.4 f;

FIG. 4n shows a detail of a schematic perspective view of the actuatingdevice according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4o shows a detail of a schematic and sectional perspective view ofthe actuating device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5a shows a detail of a schematic sectional view of the actuatingdevice according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 5b shows a detail of a schematic sectional view of the actuatingdevice according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 5c shows a detail of a schematic sectional view of the actuatingdevice according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 5d shows a detail of a schematic sectional view of the actuatingdevice according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a detail of a schematic side view of a tool of theactuating device according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 7a shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of theactuating device according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 7b shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of theactuating device according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 7c shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of theactuating device according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 7d shows a detail of a schematic top view of the actuating deviceaccording to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 7e shows a detail of a schematic rear view of the actuating deviceaccording to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 8a shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of theactuating device according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 8b shows a detail of a schematic top view of the actuating deviceaccording to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 8c shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of theactuating device according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 9a shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of theactuating device according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 9b shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of theactuating device according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 9c shows a detail of a schematic top view of the actuating deviceaccording to the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 9d shows a detail of a schematic top view of the actuating deviceaccording to the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 10a shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of theactuating device according to a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 10b shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of theactuating device according to a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 10c shows a detail of a schematic and sectional side view of theactuating device according to a seventh embodiment;

FIG. 10d shows a detail of a schematic and sectional rear view of theactuating device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 10e shows a detail of a schematic and sectional rear view of theactuating device according to the seventh embodiment;

FIG. 11a shows a detail of a schematic perspective view of the actuatingdevice according to an eighth embodiment;

FIG. 11b shows a detail of a schematic perspective view of the actuatingdevice according to an eighth embodiment;

FIG. 12a shows a detail of a schematic perspective view of the actuatingdevice according to a ninth embodiment; and

FIG. 12b shows a detail of a schematic perspective view of the actuatingdevice according to a ninth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments explained hereafter are preferred embodimentsof the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described componentsof the embodiments each represent individual features of the inventionto be considered independently of one another, which each also refinethe invention independently of one another and are thus also to beconsidered to be part of the invention individually or in a combinationother than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can alsobe supplemented by further ones of the above-described features of theinvention. In the figures, functionally identical elements are providedwith the same reference signs.

FIG. 1 shows a detail, in a schematic perspective view, of a centerconsole 10 of a motor vehicle preferably designed as a passengervehicle, wherein the center console 10 is shown in its installedposition in FIG. 1. The center console 10 occupies its installedposition shown in FIG. 1 in this case in the completely produced stateof the motor vehicle. In this completely produced state of the motorvehicle, the center console 10 is arranged in the interior 12 of themotor vehicle. The center console 10 comprises, for example, aside wall14, by which, for example, a foot well of the driver or front passengerof the motor vehicle is at least partially, in particular at leastpredominantly or completely, delimited in the vehicle transversedirection, in particular toward a foot well of the front passenger ordriver, respectively, of the motor vehicle. The center console 10 ispart of an actuating device identified as a whole by 16, which isexplained in greater detail hereafter. Here, for example, FIGS. 4a-oshow a first embodiment of the actuating device 16, wherein the centerconsole 10 is used or can be used in the first embodiment.

The actuating device 16 is used to be able to mechanically and manuallydeactivate an emergency release of a transmission and, via this, aparking lock of a transmission of the motor vehicle and thus release it.The motor vehicle comprises in its completely produced state thetransmission and at least one drive engine, wherein, for example, themotor vehicle or at least one wheel of the motor vehicle, respectively,can be driven by the drive engine via the transmission. The transmissioncomprises for this purpose at least one transmission housing and onetransmission output shaft, which is coupled, for example, to the atleast one wheel. The transmission output shaft is at least partiallyaccommodated in the housing and can in principle rotate around an axisof rotation in relation to the housing. The parking lock mentioned canbe activated or engaged and deactivated or disengaged. If the parkinglock is engaged, the transmission output shaft is thus secured against arotation around the axis of rotation in relation to the housing, so thatthe transmission output shaft and thus the wheel cannot rotate aroundthe axis of rotation in relation to the housing. Undesired rolling awayof the motor vehicle is thus avoided, in particular if the motor vehicleis stopped and/or parked on a slope. If the parking lock is deactivatedor disengaged, the parking lock thus releases the transmission outputshaft for a rotation around its axis of rotation in relation to thehousing. The transmission is therefore mechanically locked when theparking lock is activated.

FIG. 3 shows an actuator 18 which is, for example, an electricallyoperable actuator and comprises for this purpose, for example, at leastone electric motor. By means of the actuator 18, the parking lock can beelectrically at least deactivated or disengaged. For this purpose, theactuator 18 is supplied with electric current. In this manner, it ispossible to deactivate the parking lock, for example, in that a personlocated in the interior 12 actuates an operating element arranged in theinterior 12 to deactivate the parking lock, without a direct mechanicalconnection being provided between the operating element and the parkinglock for this purpose. If the person actuates the operating element, anelectrical signal characterizing the actuation of the operating elementis thus detected in the functional state of the motor vehicle. As aresult of the detection of the signal, the actuator 18 is actuated, inorder to deactivate the parking block by means of the actuator 18 by wayof the activation of the actuator 18. Since the parking lock can thus bedeactivated without a mechanical connection existing between theoperating element and the parking lock, a shift-by-wire actuation of theparking lock is thus provided.

If the parking lock is initially activated and a power failure occursand thus a malfunction of the motor vehicle, so that as a result of theactuation of the operating element, neither the mentioned electricalsignal can occur nor can the actuator 18 be electrically operated, theemergency release of the transmission and, via this, the parking lockcan be mechanically actuated manually by a person located in theinterior 12 by means of the actuating device 16, whereby the parkinglock is manually and mechanically deactivated. The emergency release ofthe transmission is in this case, for example, part of the actuator 18.

For this purpose, the actuating device 16 comprises, for example, atleast one vehicle-fixed actuating element 20, particularly apparent fromFIG. 3, by means of which or via which the parking lock can be manuallyand mechanically deactivated. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3, the actuating element 20 comprises, for example, a tractionmeans in the form of a cable pull 22, which is also referred to as aBowden cable. In addition, the actuating element 20 comprises, forexample, a fitting 24 also referred to as a head, which is arranged atone end 26 of the cable pull 22 and is connected to the cable pull 22.To deactivate the parking lock, a force formed in particular as atraction force is exerted on the actuating element 20. The tractionforce is at least indirectly transmitted to the parking lock via theactuating element 20, whereby the parking lock is mechanically andmanually deactivated. To transmit the force to the actuating element 20and as a result to the parking lock, the actuating element 20 is pulledupon. Furthermore, an arrow 28 illustrates the forward travel directionof the motor vehicle in FIG. 3.

In particular, the actuating element 20 is coupled to the parking lockvia an actuating mechanism of the actuator 18, which is not visible inFIG. 3 and is accommodated, for example, in a housing 30 of the actuator18, so that the parking lock can be mechanically and manuallydeactivated, i.e., disengaged, by means of the actuating element 20 viathe actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism is, for example, agearing and/or has a gear ratio different from 1. In this way, forexample, forces or torques exerted manually by the person on theactuating element 20 can be converted into higher forces or torques inrelation thereto, which act on the parking lock. The parking lock canthus be deactivated even using only minor forces or torques exertedmanually by the person on the actuating element 20, so that the parkinglock can be disengaged easily and conveniently.

The actuating device 16 additionally comprises a tool 32, particularlyapparent in FIGS. 4a-c and formed separately from the actuating element20, via which the actuating element 20 is mechanically and mechanicallyactuatable to manually deactivate the parking lock. In other words, theperson can handle the tool 32 and manually and mechanically actuate theactuating element 20 via the tool 32, to thus manually and mechanicallydeactivate the parking lock. In this way, the parking lock can bedeactivated even in the event of a power failure. The feature that thetool 32 is formed separately from the actuating element 20 is inparticular to be understood to mean that the actuating element 20 andthe tool 32 are formed as at least two components formed separately fromone another, which can interact to thus actuate the actuating element 20by means of the tool 32.

In order to now be able to deactivate the emergency release of thetransmission and, via this, the parking lock in a particularly simpleand comfortable manner, in particular manually and mechanically, theactuating device 16 comprises—as is particularly apparent from FIGS. 1and 2—at least one through opening 34, which is formed in the centerconsole 10, which can be arranged or is arranged in the interior 12 ofthe motor vehicle, and is formed here in the side wall 14 and has apassage direction illustrated in FIG. 2 by a double arrow 36. Thepassage direction extends in this case in an imaginary plane spanned bythe vehicle transverse direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction,wherein the vehicle longitudinal direction is illustrated by a doublearrow 38 in FIG. 2 and coincides with the forward travel directionillustrated by the arrow 28 in FIG. 3. In the first embodiment and/or inthe exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the passagedirection of the through opening 34 extends along the vehicle transversedirection or the passage direction coincides with the vehicle transversedirection, so that in FIG. 2, the vehicle transverse direction isillustrated by the double arrow 36. The through opening 34 can bepenetrated by the tool 32 along the passage direction, to thus bring thetool 32 into interaction with the actuating element 20, to therebymechanically and manually actuate the actuating element 20, and thusmechanically and manually deactivate the parking lock.

In the first embodiment, the tool 32 is formed as a tool separate fromthe center console 10, which is pushed through the through opening 34into or along the passage direction, to thus bring the tool 32 intointeraction with the actuating element 20. It is particularly apparentfrom FIGS. 1 and 2 that the through opening 34 is associated with acover element 40 formed as a lid, for example, by means of which thethrough opening 34 is closed or closable. In particular, the coverelement is reversibly held detachably on the center console 10. To movethe tool 32 in the passage direction in relation to the center console10 and insert it through the through opening 34 at the same time, thecover element 40 is removed out of or from the through opening 34,whereby the through opening 34 is exposed.

It is apparent from FIG. 1 that, for example, in the exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, an access to the actuating element 20via the through opening is provided from left to right in the vehicletransverse direction. Alternatively, the access can take place from theright or via a removable component or panel. The through opening 24could be left entirely open. A holder referred to as a multifunctionholder can also be used as the cover element 44, for example, on which,for example, objects can be held and/or suspended.

In the first embodiment, the tool 32 comprises a threaded spindle 42,which is rotatable, for example, around an axis of rotation 44 inrelation to a housing 46 of the tool 32. In this case, the tool 32comprises the housing 46, in which the threaded spindle 42 is at leastpartially, in particular at least predominantly or completely,accommodated. The tool 32 furthermore comprises, for example, anoperating part 49 formed as a rotary knob, via which, for example, thethreaded spindle 42 can be rotated around the axis of rotation 44 inrelation to the housing 46. The tool 32 furthermore comprises a movementelement 48, which is translationally movable, i.e., displaceable, by arelative rotation between the threaded spindle 42 and the movementelement 48 along the threaded spindle 42 and at the same time along theaxis of rotation 44 in relation to the center console 10 and in relationto the housing 46, to thus actuate the actuating element 20. Themovement element 48 comprises, for example, a nut (not visible in thefigure), which is screwed onto the threaded spindle 42. Moreover, themovement element 48 comprises, for example, a slide 50. The movementelement 48 is secured, for example, against a rotation around the axisof rotation 44 in relation to the housing 46. If the threaded spindle 42is rotated around the axis of rotation 44 in relation to the housing 46,in particular via the rotary knob, the movement element 48 thus does notalso rotate at the same time around the axis of rotation 44 in relationto the housing 46. The threaded spindle 42 comprises an external thread,wherein the movement element 48, in particular the nut, comprises aninternal thread corresponding to the external thread. The threadedspindle 42 and the nut are screwed together in this case via theexternal thread and the internal thread. In other words, the nut is, forexample, screwed via its internal thread onto the threaded spindle 42via the external thread. The external thread and the internal thread arealso referred to as threads. By means of the thread, the describedrelative rotation between the threaded spindle 42 and the movementelement 48, in particular the nut, is converted into a translationalmovement of the movement element 48 along the axis of rotation 44 inrelation to the housing 46.

In a first step S1 apparent from FIG. 4a , for example, the tool 32 isinserted along the passage direction through the through opening 34. Inthis case, for example, the actuating element 20, in particular thefitting 24, is inserted into the housing 46 and brought intointeraction, in particular formfitting interaction, with the movementelement 48, in particular with the slide 50. For this purpose, the slide50 comprises a recess, for example, in which the fitting 24 comes torest. This insertion of the tool 32 into or through the through opening34 is illustrated in FIG. 4a by an arrow 52. Thereupon—as illustrated inFIG. 4b by an arrow 54—in a second step S2 illustrated in FIG. 4b , thethreaded spindle 42 is rotated around the axis of rotation 44 inrelation to the housing 46 and in relation to the movement element 48.The movement element 48—as illustrated by an arrow 56 in FIG. 4b —isthus moved along the axis of rotation 44 in relation to the housing 46.

Since the slide 50 interacts in a formfitting manner with the fitting 24and thus with the actuating element 20 in this case, in a third step S3illustrated in FIG. 4c , a force formed in particular as a tractionforce is exerted on the actuating element 20 by the described movementof the movement element 48. In the first embodiment, the cable 22 ispulled via the fitting 24, whereby the parking lock is deactivated orreleased. This is illustrated in FIG. 4c . Overall, it is apparent fromFIGS. 4a-c that the tool 32 penetrates the through opening 34 in thevehicle transverse direction or along the through direction in a statein which the parking lock is released by means of the tool 32.

The fitting 24 is, for example, a flex shaft, which is captured andfinally pulled in the described manner by, for example, a slide 50formed as a catch hook. In the described manner, for example, theactuating element 20 is moved into a release position, in which theparking lock is deactivated. The threaded spindle 42 preferablycomprises self-inhibition, so that the movement element 48 and theactuating element 20 are held by the self-inhibition in the releaseposition. In this way, the parking lock is held deactivated by theself-inhibition of the threaded spindle 42.

The parking lock is in particular released or deactivated in that thethreaded spindle 42 is rotated in a first rotational direction aroundthe axis of rotation 44 in relation to the housing 46. In order to lockor activate the parking lock again, the threaded spindle 42 is rotated,for example, via the operating part 49 in a second rotational directionopposite to the first rotational direction around the axis of rotation44 in relation to the housing 46. In this way, the movement element 48is displaced back from the release position, whereby the actuatingelement 20 can also retract. As a result, the parking lock isreactivated. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable toactivate the parking lock in such a way that the tool 32 is simplypulled back out of the through opening 34.

It is particularly apparent from FIG. 4d that the slide 50 can be formedas a catch hook. The slide 50 comprises, for example, the mentionedrecess identified by 58 in FIG. 4d , which is open in particular alongthe passage direction. In this way, the actuating element 20 can bemoved into the recess 58, in that the tool 32 is moved along the passagedirection in relation to the actuating element 20.

It is particularly apparent from FIG. 4e that the tool 32 comprises afirst guide element 60. The guide element 60 is provided, for example,on the housing 46 and has, for example, an at least substantiallyT-shaped cross section. A second guide element 62 is provided on theactuator 18, into which the guide element 60 can be inserted along thepassage direction. The guide elements 60 and 62 can interact in aformfitting manner, whereby the tool 32 is guided in a defined mannerupon insertion into or through the through opening 34.

The operating part 49 formed as a rotary knob, which can be actuatedparticularly easily by hand and can thus be rotated in relation to thehousing 46 around the axis of rotation 44, is particularly apparent fromFIG. 4f . It is particularly apparent from FIG. 4g that the operatingpart 49 comprises a tool engagement point 64 formed, for example, as aquadrilateral socket, in particular as a polygon socket, via which theoperating part 49 and thus the threaded spindle 42 can interact in aformfitting manner with a rotating or screwing tool, for example, adrill. By means of the rotating tool, torques can be exerted in aformfitting manner on the operating part 49 and thus on the threadedspindle 42 in order, for example, to rotate the threaded spindle 42 bymeans of the rotating tool around the axis of rotation 44 in relation tothe housing 46. The parking lock can thus be released particularlyquickly and easily.

Furthermore, it is particularly apparent from FIG. 4h that the guideelement 60 is formed as a T-rail for the guide on the actuator 18. Anangle part is provided as an end stop 66 in this case. The tool 32 canthus be translationally moved along the passage direction and along theguide element 62 in relation to the center console 10 until the end stop66 comes into support contact with the guide element 62 along thepassage direction. The tool 32 is then located in an advantageousposition, in which the movement element 48 can be translationally movedin the described manner in relation to the housing 46 to actuate theactuating element 20 and as a result to deactivate the parking lock.

It is particularly apparent from FIG. 4i that the operating part 49 isconnected in a rotationally-fixed manner to an actuating rod 68, whichis in turn connected in a rotationally-fixed manner to the threadedspindle 42. In particular, for example, the actuating rod 68 isintegrally formed with the threaded spindle 42. In FIG. 4i , the housing46 is shown transparent so that the nut identified by 70 in FIG. 4i ,which is screwed onto the threaded spindle 42, is particularly apparentin FIG. 4i . In addition, it is particularly apparent from FIG. 4i thatthe nut 70 is connected to the slide 50 formed as a catch hook.

It is particularly apparent from FIG. 4g that the movement element 48penetrates, for example, a slot 72 of the housing 46 and can be movedtranslationally in relation to the housing 46 along the slot 72.

FIG. 4j shows the actuator 18 which is used for the first embodiment.The actuating element 20 and the guide element 62 are particularlyapparent from FIGS. 4j and 4k . The guide element 62 is formed as aT-part corresponding to the T-rail for guiding the tool 32. In thiscase, a guide part 74 is provided, by means of which the actuatingelement 20 is guided into the release position during its movement. Onits frontal end face 76, the guide element 62 comprises a bevel or theguide element 62 is formed inclined, to be able to thread the T-railparticularly easily into the guide element 62.

As illustrated in FIG. 4i by an arrow 77, the tool 32 is firstlyinserted through the through opening 34 and thus through the side wall14. In this case—as is particularly apparent from FIGS. 4m and 4n —theguide element 60 is brought into formfitting interaction with the guideelement 62, whereby the tool 32 is guided in a defined manner inrelation to the center console 10. The tool 32 is inserted through thethrough opening 34 until the end stop 66 comes into supporting contactwith the guide element 62 along the passage direction. The guide element20 is then located in the catch hook, in particular in the recess 58 ofthe movement element 48. If the threaded spindle 42 is then rotated inthe first rotational direction in relation to the housing 46, theactuating element 20 is thus moved into the release position—as isapparent from FIG. 4o —whereby the parking lock is deactivated. This isillustrated in FIG. 4o by an arrow 78, wherein an arrow 80 illustratesthe rotation of the threaded spindle 42 and thus of the rotary knob inthe first rotational direction.

FIGS. 5a-d illustrate a second embodiment of the actuating device 16. Inthe second embodiment, the tool 32 is designed as a push rod, which isintegral in particular, and which can be pushed through the throughopening 34 along the passage direction. The push rod in this casecomprises a formfitting device 82, which can be brought into formfittinginteraction with the actuating element 20 to actuate the actuatingelement 20. In the second embodiment, the formfitting device 82comprises external gear teeth 84, which comprise a plurality of teeth 86arranged in succession along the passage direction.

In the second embodiment, the actuating element 20 is, for example, agearwheel 88, having further external gear teeth, which can interactwith the external gear teeth 84. The gearwheel 88 is, for example, partof a release attachment 90 and can be part of a gearing also referred toas a release gearing. It can be seen from FIG. 5a that the actuator 18can actuate, for example, the above-mentioned electric motor identifiedby 92 in FIG. 5a and comprises a gearing 94, which can be actuated viathe gearwheel 88. The gearwheel 88 is rotatable around an axis ofrotation 96 in relation to the housing 30 of the actuator 18. If thepush rod is now displaced along the passage direction in relation to thehousing 30 and in relation to the center console 10, so that theexternal gear teeth 84 interact with the external gear teeth of thegearwheel 88, the gearwheel 88 is thus rotated around the axis ofrotation 96 in relation to the housing 30. As a result, the transmission94 and the electric motor 92 of the actuator 18 are rotated, whereby theparking lock is deactivated via the actuator 18, in particular thegearing 94, by means of the push rod. In other words, by pushing thepush rod designed as a toothed rack along the passage direction inrelation to the center console 10, the electric motor 92 is moved, inparticular rotated, so that the provided gearing 94 of the actuator 18is actuated. The parking lock is thus deactivated. In this case, thepush rod is pushed in a first direction coinciding with the passagedirection, which is illustrated in FIG. 5a by an arrow 98, whereby theparking lock is deactivated. If the push rod is translationally moved ina second direction, which is opposite to the first direction andillustrated by an arrow 100 in FIG. 5a , in particular in relation tothe housing 30 and/or in relation to the center console 10, the parkinglock is thus reactivated.

The gearwheel 88 is used, for example, as the release gearing or as partof the release gearing, wherein, by means of the release gearing, theparking lock can be manually and mechanically released by means of thetool 32. It is conceivable in this case that, for example, the gearwheel88 is pressed onto the electric motor 92 or onto a correspondinggearwheel 102 of the release gearing by means of the tool 32, so thatthe release gearing does not always actively also run when the parkinglock is deactivated by means of the electric motor 92. In this way, thetool 32 could be permanently installed and/or held at least indirectly,in particular directly, on the center console 10.

It is illustrated in FIG. 5b that the gearwheels 88 and 102 are rotatedaccordingly when the push rod is pushed in the first direction. FIG. 5cshows the actuating device 16 of the second embodiment in an idleposition in which, for example, the push rod does not interact with thegearwheel 88. In the idle position, the gearwheel 88 is decoupled fromthe gearwheel 102 and thus from the electric motor 92, so that when theparking lock is deactivated by means of the electric motor 92, thegearwheel 88 is not rotated by means of the electric motor 92. If now,however—as illustrated in FIG. 5d —the push rod (tool 32) is broughtinto interaction with the gearwheel 88 (actuating element 20), thegearwheel 88 is thus coupled to the gearwheel 102. As a result, theelectric motor 92 is actuated, in particular rotated, via the gearwheel102 and the gearwheel 88 by the push rod, whereby, for example, theparking lock is deactivated.

FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment, in which the push rod is pulled out ofthe center console 10 to deactivate the parking lock. In contrastthereto, it is provided in the second embodiment that the push rod ispushed into the center console 10 to deactivate the parking lock. In thethird embodiment, for example, a functional principle is thus providedthat opposes the functional principle of the second embodiment, inparticular with respect to the direction in which the tool 32 is to betranslationally moved to deactivate the parking lock. In particular, thetool 32 allows an unpowered actuation and in particular deactivation ofthe parking lock.

The release gear is used to implement revolutions required for thedeactivation of the parking lock, in particular of the electric motor 92and/or its rotor. Via the release gear, the existing electric motor 92is moved by mechanical work, which is provided, for example, via thetool 32 and transferred to the release gear.

The second and third embodiments are to be regarded as separate aspectsor subjects independent of the other embodiments and exemplaryembodiments and can thus represent intrinsic, separate, and independentinventions.

FIGS. 7a-e illustrate a fourth embodiment of the actuating device 16. Inthe fourth embodiment, the tool 32 is also formed as a push rod, whereinthe formfitting device 82 comprises a recess 106, arranged on a frontalend face 104 of the push rod, for catching and accommodating theactuating element 20. If the push rod is pushed along the passagedirection through the through opening 34 and thereby inserted into thecenter console 10, the actuating element 20 is thus captured by the pushrod via the recess 106 and drawn to the rear by the thrust movement ofthe push rod and/or moved into the release position.

In this case, at least one first detent element 108 is held on the pushrod. A second detent element 110 corresponding to the detent element108, with which the detent element 108 can be locked, is provided on theactuator 18, in particular its housing 30, and/or on the center console10.

It is apparent in FIG. 7b that the detent element 108 engages in thedetent element 110, whereby the detent elements 108 and 110 interact ina formfitting manner. The actuating element 20 can thus be held in therelease position.

To disengage the detent elements 108 and 110 from one another, a leveractuation unit 112 is provided. The lever actuation unit 112 comprisesat least one lever 114 held pivotably on the push rod, by means ofwhich, for example, the detent elements 108 and 110 can be disengagedfrom one another. For this purpose, for example, the detent element 108is moved, for example, by means of the lever 114, out of the detentelement 110, which is formed as a recess, for example. As a result, thepush rod can be pulled out of the center console 10. The actuatingelement 20 can thus move from the release position, whereby the parkinglock is reactivated. The detent elements 108 and 110 are thus inparticular disengaged from one another by means of the lever actuationunit 112 in that the lever actuation unit 112 is unfolded and pushedtoward the catch element 108. In this way, for example, the lever 114presses the detent element 108 downward and out of the detent element110.

FIG. 7d shows the push rod according to the fourth embodiment in a statein which the parking lock is deactivated. FIG. 7e shows the actuatingdevice 16 according to the fourth embodiment in a rear view.

FIGS. 8a-c show a fifth embodiment of the actuating device 16. In thefifth embodiment, a roller 116 is provided which is, for example,rotatably held on the actuator 18, in particular the housing 30. Theroller 116 can be rotated around an axis of rotation 118 in relation tothe housing 30. The tool 32 is, for example, formed as a push rod and/oras a key, wherein the tool 32 and the roller 116 are components formedseparately from one another, for example. In particular, the roller 116can be part of the actuating element 20. As is apparent from FIG. 8c ,for example, the cable pull 22 is connected in a formfitting manner tothe roller 116 via the fitting 24. If the roller 116 is rotated aroundthe axis of rotation 118 in a first rotational direction illustrated byan arrow 120 in FIG. 8c , the cable pull 22 is thus pulled. In this way,for example, a lever 122 apparent from FIG. 8b is pivoted. The lever 122is, for example, pivotably held on the housing 30 and can be pivotedaround a pivot axis 124 in relation to the housing 30. By rotating theroller 116, the parking lock can be deactivated. If the roller 116 isthen, for example, rotated in a second rotational direction opposite tothe first rotational direction and illustrated by an arrow 126 in FIG.8c , the parking lock is thus reactivated.

To be able to rotate the roller 116 by means of the tool 32 around theaxis of rotation 118, for example, the tool 32 is inserted into acorresponding recess 128 of the roller 116. The recess 128 is formednonround on the inner circumference side, whereby a region 130 of thetool 32 is also formed nonround on the outer circumference side. Theregion 130 is inserted into the recess 128, whereby the tool 32 caninteract in a formfitting manner with the roller 116 via the region 130in the recess 128. Torques can thus be transmitted from the tool 32 tothe roller 116, by means of which the roller 116 can be rotated in thefirst rotational direction in relation to the housing 30. The insertionof the tool 32 into the roller 116 and/or into the recess 128 isparticularly apparent from FIG. 8 b.

A pawl 132, which is apparent from FIG. 8a , is furthermore provided, bymeans of which the roller 116 can be secured against a rotation aroundthe axis of rotation 118 in relation to the housing 30. If the push rod(tool 32) formed as a key, for example, is inserted into the roller 116,in particular the recess 128, the pawl 132 is thus activated, wherebythe pawl 132 secures the roller 116 against the rotation and the secondrotational direction, in particular in a formfitting manner. The roller116 thus cannot rotate in the second rotational direction while the tool32 is inserted into the roller 116. If the tool 32 is pulled out of theroller 116, the pawl 132 is thus disengaged or deactivated, so that theroller 116 can then rotate in the second rotational direction. Theparking lock can thus be reactivated. It is apparent from FIGS. 8a-cthat the axis of rotation 118 extends in the plane spanned by thevehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle transverse direction andat the same time in the vehicle transverse direction, so that, forexample, the axis of rotation 118 coincides with the passage direction.The roller 116 is thus formed as a upright roller.

FIGS. 9a-d show a sixth embodiment, which in particular differs from thefifth embodiment in that the roller 116 is formed as a horizontalroller. The rotational axis 118 extends perpendicularly to said planehere, and at the same time in particular in the vehicle verticaldirection. Furthermore, it is particularly apparent from FIGS. 9a, bthat the roller 116, which is formed as a disk, for example, can belocked by means of the pawl 132, in particular in its end position. Ifthe tool 32 is withdrawn from the through opening 34 and/or from thecenter console 10, the roller 116 is thus released, whereupon theparking lock can be reactivated.

It is apparent from FIGS. 9c, d that in the sixth embodiment, the roller116 is, for example, rotated around the axis of rotation 118 in that thetool 32 is displaced along the passage direction in relation to thecenter console 10. This displacement of the tool 32 is converted into arotation of the roller 116. In contrast thereto, it is provided in thefifth embodiment that the tool 32 is rotated around the axis of rotation118 in relation to the center console 10 in order to rotate the roller116 in relation to the center console 10 and as a result to deactivatethe parking lock.

In other words, it is provided in the sixth embodiment that the tool 32,which is designed as part of a vehicle toolkit, for example, presses onthe horizontal roller 116, to thus move the actuating element 20 intothe release position. Upon insertion of the tool 32, the pawl 132 isactuated, whereby the rotation of the roller 116 in the secondrotational direction is prevented. Upon withdrawal of the tool 32, thepawl 132 is disengaged, whereby the roller 116 can rotate back in thesecond rotational direction.

FIGS. 10a-c show a seventh embodiment of the actuating device 16. In theseventh embodiment, the tool is, for example, again formed as a pushrod, on which a toggle lever 134 is provided. In other words, forexample, in the seventh embodiment, the tool 32 comprises at least onetoggle lever 134 for actuating the actuating element 20. The actuationof the actuating element 20 by means of the toggle lever 134 isparticularly apparent from FIGS. 10b-e . The actuating element 20 iscaptured by the toggle lever 134 and pulled upward by the thrustmovement of the tool 32. In an end position, for example, the togglelever 134 has a top dead center position, whereby the actuating element20 is held automatically in the release position. This top dead centerposition is particularly apparent from FIG. 10c . The parking lock canthus in particular only be reactivated in that the tool 32 is activelywithdrawn from the center console 10. An activation of the parking lockcaused by the actuating element 20 or by the parking lock itself canthus be avoided.

FIGS. 11a, b show an eighth embodiment of the actuating device 16. Inthe eighth embodiment, the tool 32 is formed as a vehicle-fixed toolwhich is held at least indirectly, in particular, directly on the centerconsole 10. In this case, the tool 32 comprises a lever 136, which isheld on the center console 10 so it is pivotable around a pivot axis inrelation to the center console 10. The pivot axis extendsperpendicularly here to the plane spanned by the vehicle transversedirection and the vehicle longitudinal direction and at the same time inthe vehicle vertical direction. The through hole 34 extends here in aplane which is spanned by the vehicle transverse direction and thevehicle vertical direction. It is apparent from FIGS. 11a, b that thelever 136 is movable, in particular pivotable, for example, in relationto the center console 10 from a starting position into at least oneactuation position B shown in FIG. 11b . In the actuation position B,for example, the actuating element 20 connected to the lever 136 isactuated, whereby the parking lock is released. In this case, forexample, the lever 136 penetrates the through opening 34 at least in theactuation position B.

The pivot axis mentioned is shown in FIG. 11b and identified therein by138. It is particularly apparent here from FIG. 11b that the lever 136comprises a first longitudinal region 140 and a second longitudinalregion 142. The pivot axis 138 is situated here between the longitudinalregions 140 and 142. The longitudinal region 142 is associated here, forexample, with a recess 144 formed as an indentation. For example, if aforce acting in the direction of the center console 10, in particular apressure force is exerted on the longitudinal region 142, the lever 136is thus pivoted somewhat out of its starting position into a grippingposition shown in FIG. 11a around the pivot axis 138 in relation to thecenter console 10. The pressure force is, for example, exerted on thelongitudinal region 142 in that a person presses with their thumb in therecess 144 and at the same time on the longitudinal region 142. In thegripping position, the person can grasp or enclose the longitudinalregion 140 with their hand and pivot the lever 136 into the actuationposition, whereby the actuating element 20 is pulled upon and theparking lock is deactivated. In other words, the lever 136 is releasedby thumb pressure in the indentation, so that, for example, the indexand middle fingers of the person can reach behind the longitudinalregion 140. Using the index and middle fingers, a rotational movement ofthe lever 136 into the actuation position B can be effectuated, whereby,for example, the actuating element 20 is pulled by 100 mm. The parkinglock is thus deactivated. In this way, the parking lock can bedeactivated without having to remove the center console 10. Furthermore,in the eighth embodiment, the cable pull 22 and/or the actuating element20 can be guided in the interior 12. The through hole 34 is in this casean access which is integrated in the eighth embodiment into a frontstorage shell 146 of the center console 10.

Finally, FIGS. 12a, b show a ninth embodiment, in which the tool 32 isalso designed as a vehicle-fixed tool. The tool 32 is designed here asan operating element in the form of a knob 148, which is connected tothe actuating element 20. In a starting position shown in FIG. 12a , theknob 148 is accommodated in the corresponding through opening 34. Todeactivate the parking lock, the knob 148 is pulled out of the throughopening 34 and moved, in particular pulled, into an actuation position Bshown in FIG. 12b . In this way, the actuating element 20 is pulled,whereby the parking lock is deactivated.

In the ninth embodiment, the through opening 34 is associated, forexample, with a cover element formed in particular as a lid, by means ofwhich the through opening 34 can be closed. After the cover element istaken out, for example, the knob 148 can be grasped by a person andpulled, for example, by 100 mm out of the through opening 34 to thuspull the actuating element 20 and as a result to deactivate the parkinglock. The knob 148 is, for example, a holder also formed as amultifunction holder, on which objects can be held or suspended, forexample. In the ninth embodiment, a fixing device not shown in thefigure can be provided, by means of which, for example, the actuatedactuating element 20, in particular the cable pull 22, can be fixed inits actuated position, in particular in relation to the center console10. An inadvertent and/or automatic activation of the parking lock canthus be avoided.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An actuating device for actuating anemergency release of a transmission of a motor vehicle, comprising: aparking lock which mechanically locks the transmission when the parkinglock is activated, at least one vehicle-supported actuating element bywhich the parking lock is manually and mechanically deactivatable, and atool formed separately from the actuating element, via which theactuating element is manually and mechanically actuatable to manuallydeactivate the parking lock, wherein the actuating element comprises aroller, which is rotatable around an axis of rotation, and a cable pullat least partially wrapped around the roller about the axis of rotation,wherein the tool is configured to engage with the actuating element suchthat when the tool is rotated about the axis of rotation, the roller islikewise caused to rotate about the axis of rotation, thereby actuatingthe actuating element, wherein a pawl is provided, the pawl movablebetween at least one blocking position and at least one releaseposition, wherein, in the at least one blocking position, the roller issecured by the pawl against rotation around the axis of rotation in atleast one rotational direction, wherein, in the at least one releaseposition, the pawl releases the roller for rotation around the axis ofrotation at least in the at least one rotational direction, and whereinthe tool comprises at least one actuating region which moves the pawlfrom the at least one release position into the at least one blockingposition when the tool engages the actuating element.
 2. The actuatingdevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating device furthercomprises at least one through opening and a passage direction, whereinthe through opening is formed in a center console arranged in aninterior of the motor vehicle, and wherein the passage direction extendsin a plane defined by a vehicle transverse direction and a vehiclelongitudinal direction, along which the at least one through opening ispenetrable by the tool, thereby bringing the tool into cooperation withthe actuating element to mechanically actuate the actuating element. 3.The actuating device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the passagedirection extends in the vehicle transverse direction.
 4. The actuatingdevice as claimed in claim 2, wherein the tool is formed separately fromthe center console and is pushable along the passage direction throughthe through opening to thus bring the tool into cooperation with theactuating element.
 5. The actuating device as claimed in claim 2,wherein the tool is designed as a vehicle-supported tool, which is atleast indirectly held on the center console and penetrates the throughopening in at least one position, into which the tool is movable.
 6. Theactuating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the axis of rotationextends, in an installed position of the actuating device, in a planedefined by a vehicle transverse direction and a vehicle longitudinaldirection.
 7. The actuating device as claimed in claim 1, wherein theaxis of rotation extends, in an installed position of the actuatingdevice, in a vehicle vertical direction.
 8. The actuating device asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the pawl, in the at least one blockingposition, permits rotation of the roller around the axis of rotation ina second rotational direction opposite to the at least one rotationaldirection.
 9. The actuating device as claimed in claim 3, wherein thetool is formed separate from the center console and is pushable alongthe passage direction through the through opening, to thus bring thetool into cooperation with the actuating element.
 10. The actuatingdevice as claimed in claim 3, wherein the tool is designed as avehicle-supported tool, which is at least indirectly held on the centerconsole and penetrates the through opening in at least one position,into which the tool is movable.
 11. The actuating device as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the axis of rotation extends, in an installed positionof the actuating device, in the plane defined by the vehicle transversedirection and the vehicle longitudinal direction.
 12. The actuatingdevice as claimed in claim 3, wherein the axis of rotation extends, inan installed position of the actuating device, in the plane defined bythe vehicle transverse direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction.13. The actuating device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the axis ofrotation extends, in an installed position of the actuating device, inthe plane defined by the vehicle transverse direction and the vehiclelongitudinal direction.
 14. The actuating device as claimed in claim 5,wherein the axis of rotation extends, in an installed position of theactuating device, in the plane defined by the vehicle transversedirection and the vehicle longitudinal direction.
 15. The actuatingdevice as claimed in claim 2, wherein the axis of rotation extends, inan installed position of the actuating device, in a vehicle verticaldirection.
 16. The actuating device as claimed in claim 3, wherein theaxis of rotation extends, in an installed position of the actuatingdevice, in a vehicle vertical direction.
 17. The actuating device asclaimed in claim 4, wherein the axis of rotation extends, in aninstalled position of the actuating device, in a vehicle verticaldirection.
 18. The actuating device as claimed in claim 5, wherein theaxis of rotation extends, in an installed position of the actuatingdevice, in a vehicle vertical direction.